Teacher Apprentice – ABS

Position Summary:

Owatonna Public Schools (OPS) has been approved to partner with MSU-Mankato to offer teacher apprenticeships for prospective teachers. OPS provides big-school opportunities in a right-sized setting to ensure opportunities for all students are realized in the classroom and in life.  We are a close-knit community of educators with high expectations for our schools and their students. OPS is committed to recruiting, preparing, and retaining a diverse cadre of culturally competent educators dedicated to high-level teaching. Our mission is to cultivate an environment where all students can achieve success, supported by educators who embody dedication, cultural understanding, and a passion for lifelong learning. The Apprentice ABS Teacher program is a two-year program that provides a unique opportunity for individuals who are enthusiastic about making a significant impact in the lives of students to gain in-depth classroom experience with highly effective journeyworkers.

The Apprentice ABS teacher will serve as an integral part of our innovative and inclusive instructional program toward the growth and development of all students who come from diverse, cultural, economic, and ability backgrounds while also successfully completing a course of study in Special Education-ABS. Ideal candidates will bring a solid foundation in equity and technology, ensuring high levels of learning for all students. Candidates must possess the ability to develop strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues, optimism, resiliency, curiosity, perseverance, and passion for personal growth and student success. A passion for learning and the ability to develop strong relationships with colleagues, families, and students are essential for success in this role. Upon successful completion of the program, the Apprentice ABS teacher will earn a bachelor’s degree with a Tier 3 license to teach and an Apprentice certification.

Position Requirements: 

Eligibility requirements include being a classified employee in good standing; Associates’ degree (or 53 credits) from an accredited college/university; and acceptance to MSU-Mankato and its teacher education program. Candidates must be available to work in a full-time capacity (teacher schedule) for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years. Additionally, candidates must be able to work/attend summer courses in the summer. Bilingual skills in Spanish or Somali are highly desired to better serve our diverse student population.

Schedule:

Follows the teacher’s schedule based on the building assignment. One day per week is dedicated to classwork for the program.

Rate of Pay:

$25.00/hour

Benefits offered for this position are as listed – Non-Affiliated, Non- Exempt FT School Year:

– Health Insurance offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield (single and family)

– Dental Insurance (Single and Family)

– $50,000 Life Insurance

– Long Term Disability

– Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) pension

– 403(B) Matching Annuity Plan – up to $600/year match

– Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST)/Sick Leave

– 2 personal leave days/year

ISD761 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND SUPPORTS WORKFORCE DIVERSITY.